Tilicho Base Camp – 11 days

Drive Duration: 3–4 hours (including local sightseeing)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft

The drive from Chame to Upper Pisang takes you through a scenic stretch of the Marsyangdi River valley, offering glimpses of terraced fields, traditional villages, and pine-clad hillsides. En route, you can stop for local sightseeing in the Chame area, exploring the village’s monastery and interacting with the friendly locals. The journey is relatively short, but the winding roads and elevation gain make the drive an exciting introduction to the high-altitude landscape ahead. As you approach Upper Pisang, the dramatic views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak start to dominate the skyline, providing ample photo opportunities.

Upon arrival at Upper Pisang, trekkers can enjoy a gentle walk around the village, taking in the traditional architecture and serene ambiance. The village is perched on a ridge, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the Marsyangdi River valley below.

Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 3,590 m / 11,780 ft

The trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal is a moderate but rewarding journey that takes you higher into the Annapurna region. The trail meanders along terraced fields and passes through charming hamlets, offering breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and Gangapurna. As you ascend, the landscape gradually shifts from pine forests to rocky alpine terrain, highlighting the changing ecology of the region. The trail is dotted with mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens, reflecting the deep-rooted Tibetan-Buddhist culture of the area.

Upon arrival in Ngawal, trekkers are greeted by a traditional village perched on a ridge, with stone houses and narrow alleys showcasing the local architecture. Ngawal is less visited than Upper Pisang, providing a peaceful retreat and excellent opportunities for photography.

Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 3,590 m / 11,780 ft

The trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal is a moderate but rewarding journey that takes you higher into the Annapurna region. The trail meanders along terraced fields and passes through charming hamlets, offering breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and Gangapurna. As you ascend, the landscape gradually shifts from pine forests to rocky alpine terrain, highlighting the changing ecology of the region. The trail is dotted with mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens, reflecting the deep-rooted Tibetan-Buddhist culture of the area.

Upon arrival in Ngawal, trekkers are greeted by a traditional village perched on a ridge, with stone houses and narrow alleys showcasing the local architecture. Ngawal is less visited than Upper Pisang, providing a peaceful retreat and excellent opportunities for photography

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 4,900 m / 16,076 ft

Today’s trek takes you from the picturesque village of Manang to the stunning Tilicho Base Camp, one of the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit. The trail gradually ascends through alpine meadows and rocky landscapes, offering mesmerizing views of towering peaks, including Tilicho Peak and the surrounding Annapurna range. You will pass glacial streams, moraines, and scattered high-altitude flora, making the trek both scenic and invigorating. This route is moderately challenging, so it’s important to maintain a steady pace while soaking in the spectacular Himalayan panorama.

Upon reaching Tilicho Base Camp, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the glacial valley and the pristine Tilicho Lake nestled above. The camp area provides an excellent vantage point for photography, allowing you to capture the grandeur of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft

The trek from Tilicho Base Camp down to Shri Kharka begins with a gradual descent through rocky trails and alpine landscapes, offering stunning views of Tilicho Peak and the surrounding glaciers. As you leave the base camp, the path winds through high-altitude moraine fields and passes by small streams and patches of hardy vegetation. The trail is moderately challenging, requiring careful footing on some steep sections, but the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped peaks, ridges, and serene valleys makes the effort worthwhile.

Arriving at Shri Kharka, you reach a small, tranquil settlement that provides a welcome retreat after the high-altitude adventure. The village offers traditional teahouses where trekkers can rest and enjoy local hospitality while soaking in the spectacular mountain vistas.

Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 4,050 m / 13,287 ft

Today’s trek takes you from Shri Kharka to Yak Kharka, a scenic journey that combines gradual ascents with magnificent Himalayan views. The trail passes through alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, rocky ridges, and occasional glacial streams. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. This section of the trek is moderately challenging, giving trekkers an excellent opportunity to acclimatize while experiencing the raw beauty of the high Himalayas.

Yak Kharka is a small settlement located in a high-altitude valley, surrounded by towering peaks and snowfields. The village consists of traditional stone houses and teahouses that offer warm hospitality and hearty meals, perfect for replenishing energy after the day’s trek.

Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 4,540 m / 14,895 ft

The trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi is relatively short but crucial as you approach the base of the Thorong La Pass. The trail gradually ascends through rocky terrain and sparse alpine vegetation, providing striking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and glacial streams. The moderate distance allows trekkers to pace themselves carefully, ensuring proper acclimatization before the challenging pass crossing. Along the way, you’ll notice small yak pastures and the occasional teahouse serving as rest stops, offering a glimpse into the high-altitude lifestyle of the region.

Thorong Phedi, literally meaning “foot of Thorong,” is a small settlement that serves as the final stop before the Thorong La Pass. Here, trekkers can rest and prepare for the early morning ascent, taking in spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Trek Duration: 7–9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 5,416 m / 17,769 ft (Thorong La Pass)

This is one of the most challenging and rewarding days on the Annapurna Circuit. The trek begins early in the morning from Thorong Phedi, ascending steeply toward Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the circuit. The trail is rocky and demanding, but the panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Nilgiri Himal make the climb unforgettable. Reaching the summit of Thorong La Pass is a triumph, offering breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Trekkers should take their time, acclimatize properly, and use trekking poles for stability on the steep ascent and descent.

After crossing the pass, the trail descends toward Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The descent offers views of deep valleys, terraced fields, and small villages, contrasting sharply with the stark high-altitude landscape of the pass.

Drive/Trek Duration: 4–5 hours (drive via jeep or short trek)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 2,710 m / 8,885 ft

After the challenging Thorong La Pass, today offers a much more relaxed journey from Muktinath to Jomsom. Trekkers descend through the Kali Gandaki Valley, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and terraced hillsides. The route can be covered by jeep or a short trek, making it a comfortable day to rest and recover. Along the way, you can observe traditional villages, local farms, and the beautiful landscape of the Mustang region, with its arid hills contrasting sharply with the lush valleys encountered earlier in the circuit.

Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, is a bustling yet peaceful town situated on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Here, trekkers can explore local markets, visit monasteries, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere after days of high-altitude trekking. The town also offers modern amenities and comfortable teahouses for overnight stay, making it an ideal place to unwind.

Drive/Flight Duration: 30 minutes by flight or 6–7 hours by jeep/road
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 820 m / 2,690 ft

Today marks the end of the high-altitude trekking portion of your Annapurna Circuit journey as you travel from Jomsom to the lakeside city of Pokhara. If you choose to fly, the scenic flight offers stunning aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges along with the Kali Gandaki Valley. Alternatively, the road journey winds through rivers, valleys, and small villages, providing glimpses of local life and terraced landscapes as you gradually descend to lower altitudes. This transition from the rugged Himalayas to the lush Pokhara valley is both refreshing and visually spectacular.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, trekkers can enjoy the city’s serene lakes, vibrant markets, and relaxed atmosphere. Pokhara offers a range of comfortable hotels and dining options, making it a perfect place to rest and reflect on the journey. Visitors can also take short excursions to attractions such as Phewa Lake, Devi’s Fall, and the World Peace Pagoda.